History

Dear Commonwealth Ombudsman,

I am writing to bring to your attention documented evidence that suggests Australia may have supplied small quantities of herbicide stock to U.S. forces or allied operations during the Vietnam War under cooperative military logistics arrangements.

While Australia was not a major producer or supplier like U.S. corporations such as Dow or Monsanto, historical records and past inquiries—including parliamentary reports—indicate that herbicide testing and limited shipments may have occurred. These activities likely involved coordination between the Department of Defence and allied forces during joint military operations.

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military orchestrated extensive herbicide operations, notably through Operation Ranch Hand, which involved the aerial spraying of approximately 19 million gallons of herbicides, including Agent Orange, over Vietnam from 1962 to 1971. 

Australian forces were active participants in these operations, particularly within areas like Phuoc Tuy province. They engaged in spraying herbicides and insecticides from trucks and on foot to clear vegetation and reduce malaria-carrying insect populations. 

For detailed records on the use and management of herbicides by Australian forces, the Australian War Memorial houses collections such as the Records of Headquarters 1 Australian Logistic Support Group (Vung Tau) and the Records of Headquarters Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component). These archives provide insights into the operational logistics and administrative aspects of Australia’s military involvement in Vietnam. 

(Please see Service Records as being in Vung Tau & South Vietnam) 

Headquarters Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component) (HQ AFV):

Australian troops, including those from the 17th Construction Squadron, worked alongside U.S. forces in regions where herbicide spraying was common.

In April 1970, a significant herbicide spill occurred at Bien Hoa Airbase, one of the primary U.S. military bases in Vietnam. Approximately 7,500 gallons (28,000 liters) of Agent Orange were spilled during a transfer operation. This spill led to extensive contamination of the soil, water, and vegetation at the base. The toxic chemical component of Agent Orange, dioxin (TCDD), is known to cause a variety of serious health conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects.

(Please see my Health Report for both birth defects & Neurological disorders)

While the spill primarily affected U.S. forces, Australian troops stationed at nearby locations, including Vung Tau and Phuoc Tuy, worked alongside U.S. forces in regions where herbicides were routinely used. Given the close cooperation between Australian and U.S. units, it is likely that my father, as part of the Australian forces, could have been exposed to similar risks while operating in these areas, potentially increasing his exposure to harmful chemicals like Agent Orange.

The Bien Hoa spill is significant in the context of my father’s deployment, as it underscores the environmental hazards and exposure risks faced by Australian personnel serving in proximity to U.S. military bases where herbicides were in use. This spill, along with other herbicide-related incidents, provides further evidence of the environmental contamination my father encountered during his service.

In 1970, the U.S. military’s logistical operations concerning the Rainbow Herbicides—including Agent Orange, Agent Blue, Agent White, and others—were extensive and complex. These herbicides were utilized primarily for defoliation purposes during the Vietnam War.

Procurement and Transportation:

• Manufacturing: Major chemical companies such as Monsanto and Dow Chemical produced these herbicides. Agent Orange, for instance, was a 50:50 mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. 

• Shipping: The herbicides were transported from the United States to Southeast Asia via commercial Merchant Marine ships, arriving at military installations in Vietnam. Notably, Blue Water Navy and Coast Guard vessels were not involved in this transport. 

Storage and Distribution:

• Storage Facilities: Upon arrival, herbicides were stored at various U.S. military bases in Vietnam, including Bien Hoa Airbase and Da Nang, in large quantities. For example, the Bien Hoa Airbase was a significant storage site, with an incident in April 1970 involving a spill of approximately 7,500 gallons of Agent Orange during transfer operations.

• Distribution: From these storage points, herbicides were distributed to operational units. The primary method of application was aerial spraying, conducted under Operation Ranch Hand, utilizing modified C-123 aircraft. 

Operational Usage:

• Application: Herbicides were sprayed to clear vegetation along strategic areas such as roadways, waterways, and military perimeters to reduce enemy cover and food sources. The spraying was conducted at concentrations up to 50 times higher than standard agricultural applications. 

(Please note 50 times higher than was standard) 

This logistical framework facilitated the widespread and systematic use of herbicides during the Vietnam War, impacting both the environment and the health of those exposed.

(Please note my request for Health & Pension Records has not been fulfilled to date, additional information will be submitted once available) 

This information is relevant to my ongoing inquiry into Australia’s role in chemical exposure Vietnam 1970 and the generational impact on veterans’ families. I have very personal memories of my father telling me of the sky being orange & you could see it falling from the planes & it burns, “I had that shit all over me” 

To further reiterate I am seeking a DVA TPI Pension, Gold Health Card, compensation & recognition for the suffering we the children have endured. 

We will always be the children of Vietnam Veterans. 

Thank you for your time

Kind regards,